David,

I am a "sniper". Up until your post I had no idea what a "sniper" was. Yes, I place my bid during the last few minutes of an auction closing. I keep track of the price to see if it is something I want to "spend" my money on. If the price goes too high I know I can skip that item and bid on another. That way I don't spend more money than I have.

I do it more of a money management process. I don't see anything wrong with it when I win and when I lose. There are many times when I go to place my bid to find out someone has already outbid me. That's just the way it is.

Place your maxium bid early or late, the result will be the same, the highest bidder wins.

Scott